Freeville Blog

The McLean Potato Festival on Saturday, July 25 is shaping up to be a full day of food, fun, and community spirit. Two major events—the Potato Salad Contest and the Car & Motorcycle Show—will bring together residents, families, and visitors for a lively summer celebration at Cassavant School.

Think your potato salad has what it takes to win over the crowd? McLean is inviting cooks of all ages and styles to enter their Potato Salad Contest at the festival.

• Contest Begins: 11:30 AM
• Location: Cassavant School
• Entry: Free
• What to Bring: A 3×13 dish holding 3–5 lbs of your best potato salad
• Prizes: Top 3 winners + People’s Choice Award

It’s a fun, friendly competition that celebrates creativity, tradition, and good food. Whether you’re entering or just tasting, it’s a great way to kick off the day.

Alongside the food festivities, the McLean Potato Fest is hosting a lively Car & Motorcycle Show featuring classic cars, custom builds, motorcycles, and more.

• Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
• Location: Cassavant School
• Entry Fees: $20 per car, $10 per bike
• Prizes: Best in Show
• Extras: Goodie bags for the first 50 entrants + a stereo contest

It’s a perfect event for vehicle lovers and families alike—a chance to stroll through rows of impressive rides, meet local owners, and enjoy a relaxed summer afternoon.

Both events highlight the creativity, enthusiasm, and community pride that make local festivals so special. Residents from across the area are encouraged to stop by, participate, and enjoy a day filled with great food, great vehicles, and great company.

For questions or entry details, email mcleanfestival@gmail.com.

Freeville loves a good community celebration — especially when it involves cheering on our neighbors in McLean. This year, the McLean Potato Fest is serving up something truly legendary: the Lord of the Fries Fry‑Eating Championship, a fast‑paced, fry‑filled showdown that promises big laughs, big crowds, and even bigger appetites.

Sponsored by SILO, the event is all about fun, friendly competition, and supporting a great local tradition just down the road.

The fry‑eating challenge is simple, spirited, and absolutely entertaining. Contestants race through increasing amounts of fries, round by round, until only one champion remains.

• Round 1 — 10 contestants eat ½ lb of fries; 2 eliminated
• Round 2 — 8 contestants eat ¾ lb; 2 eliminated
• Round 3 — 6 contestants eat 1 lb; 2 eliminated
• Round 4 — 4 contestants eat 1½ lbs; 2 eliminated
• Final Round — 2 finalists eat 2 lbs; first to finish wins

It’s quick, it’s quirky, and it’s exactly the kind of small‑town fun we love to support.

The winner earns a trophy and the ultimate bragging rights as McLean’s official Lord of the Fries. It’s the kind of title you’ll be talking about for years.

• Saturday, July 25
• 3 PM
• Cassavant Elementary School, McLean, NY

Whether you’re competing or just watching, it’s a perfect summer outing for families, friends, and anyone who enjoys cheering on local traditions.

To compete, email mcleanfestival@gmail.com. Only ten spots are available — so if you think you’ve got what it takes, now’s the time.

We’re proud to help spread the word about this fantastic event. The McLean Potato Fest is a celebration of community, creativity, and good‑natured competition — and we hope to see plenty of Freeville faces in the crowd supporting our neighbors.

The McLean Community Council is partnering with Greek Peak’s Cascades Indoor Waterpark for a special June fundraiser that blends community spirit with summer fun. Throughout the entire month, families and friends can enjoy discounted waterpark passes for $35, with a portion of each ticket supporting the McLean Community Council and the Potato Festival. It’s an easy way to make memories while giving back to the community.

Participating is simple. Start by creating an account at greekpeak.net. After your account is set up, select the Groups tile and redeem the group invitation using the code HLRVE and PIN 0626. From there, choose the date of your visit, add your tickets to the cart, and proceed to checkout. Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive an email with a barcode to present when you arrive at the waterpark. Then all that’s left is to enjoy your day and know that your visit is helping support local programs.

If you need assistance or have questions, community contacts Jim and Nick Totman can be reached at mcleanfestival@gmail.com or 607‑283‑6250. For questions on the Greek Peak side, Kim Thayer is available at kthayer@greekpeakmountainresort.com or 844‑846‑9575. You can also scan the QR code on the event poster for quick access and more details.

This fundraiser is a great opportunity to support your community while enjoying a fun outing. Gather your friends and family, plan your visit, and help raise money for the programs and events that make McLean special.

At our June 2nd Board of Trustees meeting, several residents spoke up about the condition of Mill Dam Park — concerns about aging equipment, safety issues, and the overall feel of the space. Those comments sparked an immediate response, and over the past week the park has already begun to transform.

What’s been especially encouraging is how quickly our DPW employee, Dylan Schlee, jumped into action. Within days, he replaced the rusty toddler swing with a brand‑new plastic seat and fresh chains, and he’s preparing to adjust the height of all the swings once the new chains arrive so they’re more comfortable for riders of every age. When residents raised concerns about the placement of the horseshoe toss pegs, Dylan didn’t wait — he removed them entirely while we decide whether the game should be relocated elsewhere in the park.

He also spent time trimming back low‑hanging branches, making the park safer and giving parents and caregivers a clearer view of their kids at play. The picnic area got a refresh too, with new tablecloths, clips, and an added bench. Even the beloved swinging bench received some attention, and Dylan plans to secure it further with Quickrete so it stays sturdy for years to come.

It’s been a meaningful start, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank‑you to Dylan for his care, speed, and craftsmanship!

Even with these early upgrades, we know there’s more to do. Both residents and Dylan have recommended replacing the slide and exploring options to either repair or fully upgrade the play structure. Clerk‑Treasurer Wallace has already begun researching grant opportunities through programs like Community Beautification and NY Plays, and we’re also looking into community build partnerships with companies such as Home Depot.

These next steps will take planning, funding, and community involvement — but they’re absolutely within reach.

Mill Dam Park is a place where our community gathers, plays, celebrates, and relaxes. If you’re interested in helping shape its next chapter — whether through volunteering, planning, fundraising, or simply sharing ideas — we’d love to hear from you.

You can contact Clerk‑Treasurer Wallace directly: clerk@freevilleny.org, 607‑844‑8301

Our goal is simple: to make Mill Dam Park inviting, fun, and safe for everyone who uses it! The improvements underway are just the beginning. With continued collaboration between residents, Village staff, and community partners, we can create a park that reflects the pride and spirit of Freeville.

If you’ve lived in the Village of Freeville for a while, you’ve probably noticed that mosquito season feels a little different each year—sometimes mild, sometimes relentless. What we experience locally lines up with the broader trends across New York State, where mosquito activity and mosquito‑borne virus detections have stayed consistently high. According to the New York State Department of Health, 589 mosquito pools outside New York City tested positive for West Nile virus in 2024, a reminder that mosquito populations remain active and monitored statewide (NYSDOH, 2024). While the state doesn’t publish mosquito‑count data specific to Freeville, these regional patterns help explain why our small community continues to feel the yearly buzz.

Freeville’s geography plays a major role in all of this. Our village sits right along Fall Creek and is surrounded by marshy lowlands—beautiful, but also prime real estate for mosquitoes. These insects lay their eggs in standing water, and they don’t need much of it. A shallow puddle, a slow‑moving bend in the creek, or a quiet pocket of marshland can support hundreds of larvae. Because we’re nestled among wetlands and water‑rich habitats, we naturally see more mosquito activity than communities in drier areas. State surveillance programs confirm that wetlands are among the most productive mosquito‑breeding environments, which is why they’re routinely used as trapping sites for monitoring species and detecting viruses (NYSDOH, 2024).

Because mosquitoes thrive in water, one of the most effective ways to reduce their numbers is to limit the places where they can lay eggs. Around our homes, that means keeping an eye out for anything that collects water—buckets, gutters, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, old flowerpots, even the base of a recycling bin after a storm. Public health guidance consistently shows that removing standing water is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to cut down on mosquito breeding (CDC, 2024). Of course, we can’t drain Fall Creek or the surrounding marshes, so personal protection becomes especially important. Wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours, using EPA‑registered repellents, repairing window screens, and keeping kids covered during dusk and dawn can make a meaningful difference.

Residents may also notice that mosquito activity spikes after heavy rains or when the creek runs high. These conditions create temporary pools and expand breeding habitat, which can lead to short‑term population surges. While statewide surveillance focuses more on disease detection than population control, the data still help us understand why mosquito pressure remains a recurring issue in water‑rich communities like ours.

Living in Freeville means enjoying the beauty of Fall Creek, the wildlife in the marshes, and the green spaces that make our village special. It also means taking a few extra steps during mosquito season. By staying aware of local conditions, reducing standing water where we can, and protecting ourselves and our children during peak activity times, we can keep mosquito season manageable—and keep enjoying the place we call home.

Sources: New York State Department of Health. Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance Reports, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mosquito Control and Prevention Guidance, 2024.

The Village of Freeville will once again host its annual Yard Sales, a long‑standing community event that brings residents and visitors together for a day of discovery, conversation, and exceptional value. The event will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offering five full hours to explore a wide range of items throughout the village.

The Freeville Yard Sales are known for their variety and quality. Shoppers will find an assortment of rare items, used goods, and practical household essentials, all offered at bargain prices. Many residents take pride in presenting well‑maintained or unique pieces, making the event particularly appealing to collectors, hobbyists, and anyone who enjoys uncovering unexpected finds.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the walkable layout of the village makes it easy to browse multiple locations at your own pace. Whether you are searching for antiques, tools, books, children’s items, décor, or simply hoping to enjoy a pleasant morning outdoors, the event offers something for every type of shopper.

To ensure convenient access for all attendees, parking will be available in two central locations:

• Next to the Post Office — Ideal for those wishing to begin near the heart of the sale area.
• At the Village Hall — A spacious option suitable for longer visits and families.

Both locations provide easy walking routes to the participating homes and sale sites.

Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bags or small carts for carrying purchases, as well as comfortable walking shoes. Early arrival is recommended for those seeking the most distinctive items, as rare pieces often sell quickly.

The new Dryden Center for Community has opened its doors as a vibrant space for creativity, connection, and collective care. The project is led by Freeville resident and Board of Trustees member Stephanie Ortolano, whose vision has transformed the former Dryden Methodist Church into a welcoming hub for gatherings, workshops, and community-building of all kinds.

Artist and organizer Shira Evergreen is bringing her Sing-a-Long for Sanity series to the Dryden Center for Community for the first time. Each event is uniquely crafted to spark connections and joy through communal singing…no experience required!

The theme for this month’s Sing-a-Long is Collective Power which will include songs such as:

• “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid (a declared feminist anthem)
• “Master of War” by Bob Dylan (a song known for being a timeless protest anthem)
• “Holiday” by Madonna (a song to promote celebration and rest which is a part of collective liberation)
• And many more!

Songbooks will be provided at the event and discussion surrounding the music and their messages is welcome.

The event will held at the Dryden Center for Community at 9 East Main Street in Dryden on Saturday, May 16th from 6:00 to 9:00PM. The doors for the event will open at 5:30 and all members of the community, regardless of age or experience, are invited to come.

To RSVP or to invite friends, please utilize the Facebook event link below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2020127398881549

A Poetic Journey in Sand with Catherine Gignac

Some performances feel like stories. Others feel like dreams. Dance of the Shadows is both.

On April 9 and 10, The Cherry Artspace will transform into a world of shifting images and living sand as Quebec artist Catherine Gignac brings her mesmerizing sand‑painting performance to Ithaca. For 45 uninterrupted minutes, the stage becomes a canvas of light, shadow, and imagination.

Gignac draws intricate scenes in sand—live, in real time—while a camera captures every movement and projects it larger-than-life. What begins as a simple line becomes a face… then a bird… then a puppet cutting its strings. One image dissolves into the next with dreamlike fluidity, each transformation surprising and strangely emotional.

The soundtrack deepens the spell: a blend of classical music, tango, and opera that rises and falls with the shifting imagery. The result is a performance that feels both ancient and modern, delicate yet powerful.

This is storytelling without words—poetry told through motion, texture, and sound.

Event Details

• Dates: April 9 & 10
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Location: The Cherry — 102 Cherry St.
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Language: No words
• Audience: Intended for adults, but enchanting and appropriate for kids
• Tickets: $20 — Tickets Here

Whether you’re drawn to visual art, experimental performance, or simply want to be transported for an evening, Dance of the Shadows offers a rare and captivating experience. It’s the kind of show you’ll find yourself thinking about long after the sand has settled.

If you’re ready for something magical, ephemeral, and unlike anything else on stage—this is the performance to catch.

Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to dust off the clubs and hit the greens for a great cause. On Sunday, May 17th, Dryden Little League will host our 5th Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament at the beautiful Stonehedges Golf Course in Groton. This event has become a favorite tradition for families, friends, and supporters of youth baseball and softball—and we’re excited to make this year’s tournament the best one yet.

What’s Included

Golfers will enjoy a full day of fun and friendly competition. Your registration includes:

• 18 holes of golf on a scenic course
• Golf cart included
• Dinner after play
• Gift bags for all participants
• Longest drive and closest to the pin contests
• Door prizes throughout the event

And for those who love a little extra excitement, we’ll also have:

• Optional raffles
• A 50/50 putting contest

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just out for a good time, this Captain & Crew format makes it easy for everyone to join in.

Early Registration Discount

Register by April 30th to take advantage of a reduced entry fee. It’s a great way to save while supporting a program that gives local kids the chance to learn, grow, and play the sports they love.

How to Register

A full registration form—with all details—is attached. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to send an email. We’re happy to help.

Why Your Support Matters

Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting boys baseball and girls softball in our community. Your participation helps provide equipment, field improvements, uniforms, and opportunities for young athletes to build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong memories.

Thank you for being part of the Dryden Little League family. We can’t wait to see you on the course in May!

The below registration form can be filled out and returned to Mr. Bill Hughes at golf@drydenlittleleague.com.

Who says winter in Dryden has to be dull? Certainly not the Dryden Rotary Club. For more than a decade, this dedicated group has proven—year after year—that even in the coldest months, our community knows how to come together for great food, great company, and a whole lot of laughter.

One of Dryden’s most beloved traditions returns again: the annual Murder Mystery Dinner, complete with a Thanksgiving‑inspired feast and a live theatrical performance that never fails to surprise. It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort food and interactive entertainment, and honestly, what’s not to like.

Hosted at the Dryden VFW, the evening always delivers. The food is consistently delicious, the atmosphere is lively, and the show—well, let’s just say the actors know how to keep everyone guessing. And if that weren’t enough, guests can also try their luck with 15 to 24 raffle bags, each filled with fantastic items donated by local businesses. It’s a wonderful way to support the community while maybe walking away with something special.

One detail not listed on the poster: if you have a group of six or more, you can reserve an entire table. Just reach out to Christine Sanford or Brian Buttner directly—group reservations aren’t available through PayPal. And if you need tickets, they’ve got you covered and can get more as needed.

This event isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s a reminder of what makes Dryden such a special place: neighbors gathering together, supporting local causes, and finding joy even in the dead of winter.

If you’re interested in attending—or if you just want to know more—contact Brian Buttner at 607‑844‑4601 or reach out to any Dryden Rotarian. Seats go quickly, and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why. Check out the flyer below for more information!

Winter may be long, but nights like this make it a whole lot brighter.